Humane Society International Wins Campaign of the Year Award

BRUSSELS, Belgium - Humane Society International is the proud recipient of the Campaign of the Year award at the European Public Affairs Awards in Brussels Thursday night.

This highly coveted award, which is voted for by the professional lobby community in Brussels, was given to HSI for its high profile and successful lobby campaign to achieve an EU ban on trade in seal products.

"We are thrilled to accept this prestigious award which recognises the role of Humane Society International in achieving a European ban on the commercial trade in seal products.

"In the face of a massive and unfounded lobby by the Canadian government, pro-seal and other vested interests we succeeded in showing European decision makers the truth behind the cruel seal slaughter. The immediate impact of the campaign resulted in saving the lives of 250,000 seal pups earlier this year. This has not however ended the seal kill and with Canada and Norway threatening to go to WTO to challenge the ban, much remains to be achieved to end the cruelty once and for all."

Timeline:

31 October 2009: The EU Regulation concerning trade in seal products was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

20 November 2009: EU Regulation will enter into force.

5 May 2009: The European Parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of a strong ban on trade in seal products.

Humane Society International and its partner organizations together constitute one of the world's largest animal protection organizations — backed by 11 million people. For nearly 20 years, HSI has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty worldwide — On the web at hsi.org.

The European Public Affairs Awards aim to highlight success and encourage best practice throughout the European public affairs community; bringing recognition to individuals, organisations, issues and campaigns. For more information: design1.dods.co.uk/epa2009/

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For information, questions or to donate: From North America, call 866-614-4371. From elsewhere, please use this form.

Contributions to Humane Society International are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law in your country. HSI's tax identification number is 52-1769464. Donations made from the UK: HSI UK is registered in England and Wales as charity number 1098925, company number 4610194. Donations made from the Netherlands: HSI UK is regarded as an ANBI Charity under Dutch Fiscal Number 8241.63.072. Donations made in Canada: donations to HSI Canada are not tax-deductible. Non-profit organizations in Canada that lobby to change government policy are generally denied charitable status.